USA’s Tucker Scharf wins state discus title

Published 3:51 am, Tuesday, June 3, 2014

USA’s Tucker Scharf is shown here throwing the disc at the Thumb Meet of Champions. The senior won the Division 4 discus state championship, Saturday.

Photo courtesy of Tuscola County Advertiser

USA’s Tucker Scharf is shown here throwing the disc at the Thumb Meet of Champions. The senior won the Division 4 discus state championship, Saturday.

USA’s Tucker Scharf wins state discus title

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HUDSONVILE — To some, Tucker Scharf’s Divison 4 discus state championship may come as a surprise, but not to Scharf.

The Unionville-Sebewaing Area senior didn’t win, or even place second during the regional competition, making it as an additional qualifier.

He wasn’t in the championship flight, meaning he had to throw early and hope his performance was good enough to advance to the finals, Saturday at the Hudsonville Athletic Complex.

On his second to last throw, the perfect throw happened for Scharf, as the disc sailed 148 feet, six inches, more than five feet past his pervious personal best.

“Winning the title champion in the discus throw was not a huge surprise, but I knew at states it was going to be a challenge throwing against some great throwers,” said Scharf. “I was ranked 11th going in, but I knew I was going to throw a personal best.”

Heading into what would be the winning throw, Scharf was in the top five.

“I knew I had make it happen,” he said. “It felt fine coming out of my hand, but was soaring outside the vector where it then took a swan dive in bounds. I knew it was good one, it truly could’ve flown better.”

Scharf suffered a slight injury prior to the state finals, which limited his practice time.

He used the time away from the circle to study.

“The week before states I watched a lot of film and only practiced discus,” he said. “Due to my right hand being injured, I couldn’t work and I was bored so I watched the top throwers in the world.”

Surprisingly, Saturday was the first time throwing the discus at the state level for the veteran.

He had however, competed in the shot put and used the experience.

“Through past experiences in track, I knew I had to be calm and focused,” Scharf said.

Saturday was the last time in competition for Scharf, as he will pursue a career in diesel mechanics.

It was certainly a memorable way to finish up a stellar career.

“I can call myself champion and am proud saying that I am,” he said. “I thank my school, teammates, friends, family, coaches and community for their support.”